Sophomore James Butler scored the game-winning touchdown with just 66 seconds remaining and Nevada won the inaugural NOVA Home Loans w88 Bowl with a 28-23 victory over Colorado State on Dec. 29 at w88 Stadium in Tucson, Ariz.
The Wolf w88 led for the majority of the game before Colorado State connected on a 39-yard field goal to lead by one with just over three minutes remaining. Nevada then drove 72 yards in just eight plays to tally the go-ahead score before holding on late for a thrilling victory.
Butler rushed 24 times for 189 yards and two touchdowns, being named w88 Bowl Offensive Most Valuable Player while setting a program bowl record in total rushing yards. Senior DE Ian Seau posted five tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack and one forced fumble to be named w88 Bowl Defensive Most Valuable Player.
Nevada tallies its fifth w88 victory in program history and its first since the 2010 Kraft Fight Hunger w88. The Pack closes the season with a 7-6 overall record, marking the sixth winning campaign in the past seven seasons. Colorado State also closes the year with a 7-6 record.
Coach Brian Polian entered the week stating how big this game was for two reasons; closing the season with a winning record and ending Nevada's w88 skid. The Pack then accomplished both those goals, improving its record to 7-6 for the sixth winning season out of the past seven and notching its fifth all-time w88 win to snap a three-game w88 skid. This victory meant a lot to the team and program. With the win, the Wolf Pack sent its seniors out in style and now carries momentum forward towards next season.
The 2016 Nevada football season begins at Mackay Stadium on Sept. 3 against Cal Poly. The Wolf w88 loses 12 players to graduation this season, but returns 10 starters on offense, four starters on defense and 106 squad members overall.
